Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Afternoon Tea at O'Mara's

I have blogged about 17 previous Afternoon Tea experiences at O'Mara's Restaurant in Berkley, MI [beginning March 2013 and onward]. In the past, Chef Anita's cooking demos were the program, but since she's no longer working there, the management changed the format to a different speaker each month, and they asked me to speak about Detroit's beloved J.L. Hudson department store for their October Tuesday teas [14th, 21st, and 28th].

The dining room was set up for 52 ladies yesterday.

Fall mums decorated the table tops reminiscent of what might have been on the tables of Hudson's 13th floor Riverview Dining Room. The green napkins were perfect for the occasion since their color is what I refer to as "Hudson's green."

The tea began with an Apple Cinnamon Scone, and a choice of Black Currant or Cranberry Autumn tea, both from Harney Teas. I chose Cranberry Autumn.

Next came the soup - Wisconsin Cheddar or Irish Cream of Potato. I chose Wisconsin Cheddar.

Sandwiches were Chicken Salad on Wheat Rounds, Ham Salad on Rye, and Egg Salad on White, all selections that were on Hudson's Mezzanine Tea Room menus.

~ Ladies enjoying the Hudson's themed menu ~

~ Hudson's famed Maurice Salad ~

While the ladies were enjoying their salad, I began the program.

Hudson's was also known for their Chicken Pot Pie.

A blueberry muffin also accompanied the meal. A 1942 Mezzanine Tea Room menu listed the price as .10 cents!

~ Dessert was a Banana Split ~

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed sharing information about Hudson's and stimulating fond, nostalgic memories. I also had fun wearing my newly acquired "Hudson's green" outfit to really get into the spirit of the presentation.

One of the afternoon's highlights for me was having a lady come up to me afterwards to ask if I'd like to tour J.L. Hudson's former home on East Grand Boulevard in Detroit. It's now a convent, and her husband does website work for them, so she said he'd be able to arrange a tour. I'll keep you posted.